Prawin Ganeshan, founder of Wintrack Inc, ignited a national outrage after exposing alleged bribery and harassment by Chennai Customs, leading to his firm’s exit from Indian import-export operations in October 2025. The Ministry of Finance responded with a high-level inquiry, as officials insist on transparency, while Mumbai Customs swiftly announced, via a public tweet, a commitment to “clarity, transparency & ease of reference,” signalling broader reforms amid growing scrutiny.
Respected officials insist all allegations will be dealt with transparently, and industry voices continue to demand far-reaching accountability.
Whistleblower’s Fight Puts System in Spotlight
Prawin Ganeshan’s confrontation with Chennai Customs began after he detailed months of bribe demands and retaliatory actions that crippled normal business functions. Forced to halt Wintrack’s India operations, Ganeshan embarked on a relentless social media campaign, posting digital records and describing an “industry-wide rot,” which resonated strongly with small- and medium-sized businesses.
Ganeshan commented that the official inquiry offered “more hope than expected,” as he urged other entrepreneurs to step forward with their own grievances.
From October 1, 2025, our company will cease import/export activities in India.
— WINTRACK INC (@wintrackinc) October 1, 2025
For the past 45 days, Chennai Customs officials have relentlessly harassed us.
After exposing their bribery practices twice this year, they retaliated, effectively crippling our operations and… pic.twitter.com/PmGib8srmM
SIIB: ASHISH NEHRA VITAL
— Prawin Ganeshan (@PrawinGaneshan) October 1, 2025
EO: BANDI NARIAPPA
AO: GYANENDRA PANDEY
These officers recieved bribe to clear my Wife's company shipment last week
Faceless Assessment Officer at Mumbai Recieved 50,000
When we negotiated the bribe through our staff in person with SiiB officers & CHA… https://t.co/qUyTh4FJx4 pic.twitter.com/KzyMhbMuQB
Mumbai Customs Responds with Promised Reforms
In the wake of the Chennai scandal, Mumbai Customs formally used their official X account on 7th October to announce new measures aimed at “ensuring clarity, transparency & ease of reference,” with a follow-up public notice promised.
The announcement underlines a rapid, visible response from another major customs jurisdiction, likely intended to reassure both traders and the public. This commitment by Mumbai’s customs commissionerate marks a potentially significant shift in tone and procedure, seeking to stem mistrust by foregrounding proactive reform and openness.
Rolling Sir,Action begins 👏🏻 https://t.co/w4ZCX9GV3m
— WINTRACK INC (@wintrackinc) October 7, 2025
Widespread Testimonies and the Push for Structural Change
Wintrack’s ordeal triggered the viral “My Customs Story” movement, with importers around the country recounting stories of extortion and arbitrary enforcement at major ports, including Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi.
The Finance Ministry’s swift ordering of a transparent investigation, and Mumbai Customs’ public commitments, reflect both mounting sectoral pressure and the government’s realisation that India’s ease of doing business hinges on restoring credibility to its regulatory environment. The Chennai Customs office, however, publically denied all allegations.
About Prawin Ganeshan and Wintrack Inc.
Prawin Ganeshan, the visionary founder of Wintrack Inc, is a Tamil Nadu-based entrepreneur with a background in international business and logistics. He established Wintrack in 2021 to assist small businesses in sourcing affordable goods from international online marketplaces such as Alibaba and AliExpress, specialising in door-to-door delivery for small-volume orders.
Ganeshan’s company quickly gained popularity for its customer-centric approach, empowering micro and small traders nationwide. Despite the ongoing controversy, Ganeshan remains committed to global trade, asserting that Wintrack’s international operations will continue unaffected and advocating for greater transparency and reform within Indian customs procedures.
The Ministry of Finance-appointed Senior Official has concluded a fair, transparent inquiry into the allegations by Wintrack Inc. against Chennai Customs.
— Prawin Ganeshan (@PrawinGaneshan) October 5, 2025
We have fully cooperated with the officials and submitted evidence related to the incidents experienced by Wintrack Inc. and…
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This episode highlights the vital role of courageous whistleblowers, honest officials, and resilient institutions in transforming India’s trade landscape.
The Logical Indian believes that transparency and accountability are the foundation of a just system, and that positive social change is possible when citizens and authorities work together—fostering empathy, trust, and reform.
